Helium Tracer Tests for Assessing Air Recovery and Air Distribution During In Situ Air Sparging

Abstract

Helium tracer tests are used as an alternative to soil-gas pressure measurements to assess the effectiveness of soil vapor extraction (SVE) systems for capturing contaminant vapors liberated by in situ air sparging (IAS). The tracer approach is simple to conduct and provides more direct and reliable measures than the soil-gas pressure approach. The tracer test described here can be used to both determine SVE system capture efficiency and to evaluate air distribution during IAS pilot tests. The tests can also be conducted on operating, full-scale systems to confirm system performance. In addition, tests can be easily repeated, which allows system parameters to be modified and the impact of those modifications to be quickly assessed. Whether used alone or in conjunction with other diagnostic tools, helium tracer tests provide an important measure of IAS system performance.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Dec 01, 2001
Accession Number
ADA406353

Entities

People

  • Andrea Leeson
  • Paul C. Johnson
  • Richard L. Johnson
  • Tim L. Johnson

Organizations

  • Battelle Memorial Institute

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Flow
  • Air Force
  • Air Force Research Laboratories
  • Back Pressure
  • Civil Engineering
  • Department Of Defense
  • Detectors
  • Ecology
  • Efficiency
  • Engineering
  • Extraction
  • Flow Rate
  • Groundwater
  • Measurement
  • Monitoring
  • Pressure Measurement
  • Recovery

Readers

  • Aerospace Test and Evaluation
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  • Environmental Remediation and Restoration.